Weekend Wishlist: 11 fashion, beauty and payday picks our shopping writers are loving

Daily Mirror

25-04-2025

Treat yourself to one (or several) of our favourite items this week from M&S, Glow Recipe and more
For many of us, payday has finally arrived — and if your group chat is anything like ours, it's already buzzing with shopping links, holiday inspo, and last-minute wedding guest picks. Whether you're jetting off somewhere sunny or RSVP'ing to every event in sight, there's no better time to treat yourself to something new.
Our Weekend Wishlist is a mix of tried-and-tested faves — like this ultra-flattering black dress shopping writer Eve recently wore to a wedding (yes, she looked amazing) — and fresh finds we're obsessing over. That includes the new Skin Rocks moisturiser and a dreamy Pour Moi bikini sported by A-lister Salma Hayek.
Basically, we've done the scrolling, so you don't have to. So, without further ado, here are the must-have items we're lusting after this week.
Eve's picks:
M&S Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress - £49.50
Never underestimate the power of a little black dress. I recently bought this gorgeous iteration from M&S for a wedding, having fallen in love with its simple yet effective silhouette. It exceeded all my expectations and garnered me way more compliments than I would have thought.
Of course, with the right accessories, a dress can be transformed from dull to delicious, but this Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress has subtle details that elevate its look with ease and my figure, too.
It's got a puffy, voluminous bubble skirt and a cut-out back that is super flattering. A drop waist glides over any tummy problem areas, while the sleeveless design is perfect for warmer days.
With a breathable lining underneath, it falls nicely, and the skirt is wonderfully swishy as you move. At £49.50, it's a cheaper option for a wedding guest dress, and while some may see the block colour of black as somewhat boring, it's essentially a chic, classy and elegant blank canvas with which you can create a stunning look.
While I loved dressing this dress up for a recent black-tie wedding, it can also be dressed down by popping a graphic tee over the top and pairing it with some trainers. My only gripe is that it comes up a little small, so for a comfortable fit, it's best to size up.
Lookfantastic's monthly subscription - £15
Worth £55, April's box costs £15 for shoppers that want to buy it as a one-off or, if you sign up for a monthly rolling subscription for 12 months, it's only £13. Containing six products - and sometimes seven if the brand includes a complimentary gift, as it often does (beating that of Glossybox's five products per month for £13.50) - the box is perfect for those who love trying out new products or simply wish to switch up your beauty routine.
April's box is packed full of skincare goodies that'll leave your face, hands, body and scalp feeling super hydrated. Plus, it contains a product that MUAs and beauty buffs swear by for cleaning their brushes.
Lauren's picks:
Phlur Rose Whip Perfume - £99
I love trying out new perfumes, but I keep returning to Phlur. The cool-girl brand, which I've featured in several Weekend Wishlists in the past, has become one of my top fragrance faves, thanks to its playful, flirty scents and chic bottles that look seriously good on my dressing table.
The new fragrance to join the line-up is Rose Whip — a floral-forward blend laced with black currant and osmanthus and grounded by a musky base for a modern twist. I'm already a fan of rose perfumes (Miller Harris' Rose Silence is a longtime love of mine), and Rose Whip hits all the right notes.
It's sweet and feminine without being saccharine, with a warm depth that gives it a flirty, alluring edge. Ideal for date nights or evenings out, it's the type of scent that turns heads — literally. I've had a handful of compliments while wearing it, including one from a cashier at Aldi who stopped me mid-checkout to ask what perfume I was wearing.
Plus, the wear time is solid, lingering for a few hours without being overpowering. There's also a cheaper travel-size version for easy top-ups on the go.
Skin & Tan Face Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream - £20
Now that the sun's out, I've taken to applying fake tan on the regular — I happily embrace my pale skin during the winter, but there's just something about a golden glow that makes me feel more confident come the warmer months.
Skin & Tan has been on my radar for a while (its setting mist is a serious game-changer), so I was keen to get my hands on its latest launch: the Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream. This 3-in-1 multitasker is designed to slot into your daily routine with ease, acting as a daily moisturiser, offering essential sun protection and delivering a gradual tan that looks natural and sun-kissed.
On first application, I'll admit I had a few doubts — the formula is on the thicker side — but it rubbed in surprisingly quickly, with no ghostly white cast. It did leave my skin feeling a touch sticky, but nothing too off-putting. It also smells like a soft hint of holiday - think subtle coconut and sunshine — and I noticed my face felt more hydrated after use.
As for the tan itself, it took a few days to show itself but the results were worth the wait. A healthy, glowing, just-back-from-the-beach kind of colour that made me look instantly more refreshed. Sure, it's not the lightest texture I've tried, but at £20, it's a solid budget-friendly option if you're after an everyday SPF that gives a gradual, healthy tan without the hassle.
Reef's Vista Hi Buckle Sandals - £70
Praise be! It's finally time to dig out the sandals and put away the chunky boots. Every summer, I like to treat myself to a new pair of sandals — and this year, I'm excited to introduce these Reef iterations to my rotation.
With their vegan-friendly, leather brown straps (very much the colour of the season) and round buckle detail, they tick the stylish box instantly. But it's their comfort factor that's truly sealed the deal for me.
I've been wearing these cushioned sandals out and about over the past couple of weeks, and besides a couple of minor blisters on my little toes during the break-in period (par of the course), they've been pain-free. They're comfy straight out of the box, with no stiffness or awkward rubbing, and I've managed some decent walks in them without any complaints.
The adjustable strap ensures a true-to-size fit, keeping my tootsies secure all day long. The subtle platform footbed adds a bit of height — enough to feel slightly dressier, whether I'm pairing them with a linen dress or wide-leg jeans.
Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access - £48 from £69
With Easter now a distant memory, it's time to start getting excited about those sun-soaked summer getaways. Whether you've already booked your trip or are just beginning to plan, the countdown to holiday fun has officially started, and payday seems the perfect time to organise a trip in style.
Granted, sitting in a bustling departure hall at the airport isn't exactly the slimmest way to start a trip, but Priority Pass is currently offering a 30% discount on airport lounge access. This will allow travellers to enjoy chic spaces away from the crowds, complete with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating.
This deal will help flyers feel like they're travelling first-class without breaking the bank. Hidden away from the busy terminal waiting areas, visitors can enjoy some peaceful refreshments, queue-free bathroom facilities and WiFi for work or leisure.
Whether you're travelling for business and need a quiet spot to work or simply looking for a stress-free airport experience, these lounges are a game-changer—and this discount makes them even more appealing.
Pour Moi's Free Spirit Bikini - £22-£36
Keeping with the summer theme here — because let's face it, what's a summer getaway without a little swimwear refresh? — holiday-goers will no doubt be on the hunt for a new bikini to make their social media snaps pop. With that in mind, Pour Moi has delivered this season with a gorgeous range of styles (some of which have been spotted on actress Salma Hayek, no less).
One standout is this bright orange bikini, which is practically made for golden hour selfies. It's playful and chic, with flirty frill detailing and flattering shirred fabric.
Its removable straps mean it can be worn as a bandeau when working on your tan or as a classic strappy top for more support. Meanwhile, its hidden underwired cups add subtle shaping, while a clasp fastening makes it easy to get on and off.
Note that the bikini top and briefs are sold separately and priced at £36 and £22, respectively.
Tiffany's picks:
Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser - £58
When skincare expert Caroline Hirons hinted at a new product launch, fans were over the moon. The Light Moisturiser, dubbed 'light as air', offers barrier-supporting benefits and long-term hydration. It retails at £58, the same price as the original.
Ideal for combination, oily or blemish-prone skin types, The Light Moisturiser is clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 141% after one hour based on an independent clinical study of 52 participants.
A daily use of the cream for four weeks helps reduce red spots by up to 51% after one week and increases skin elasticity by up to 53% after four weeks. With a significant portion of the UK population experiencing vitamin D deficiency, the cream is formulated with pro-vitamin D3 to boost vitamin D production, support long-term skin health, and promote optimal barrier function.
Feedback has been positive, as fans say it "absorbs instantly and leaves skin feeling plump and smooth with no breakouts."
M&S Per Una Denim Quilted Gilet - £49.50
Quilted jackets are many fashion lovers' go-to lightweight spring jackets, and M&S has given the style a twist. This Per Una Denim Quilted Gilet is a style icon, and I have been enjoying wearing it along with the Per Una Lyocell Drawstring wide-leg trousers.
The padding at the back keeps you warm, and the sleeveless design gives you room for movement. The matching belt can cinch the waist for a slimmer silhouette.
However, the jacket doesn't have buttons, so you'll have to use the belt to keep it closed. Otherwise, you can consider Boden's Denim Quilted Gilet —currently reduced to £73.50 from £98.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist - £20.80, was £25
Known for its glow-giving products that boost hydration in the skin, Glow Recipe has launched a new product that beauty buffs can take along with them anywhere. Following the global success of its Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, the K beauty-inspired brand is giving us the Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist—a handbag-friendly mist to quench your skin's thirst whenever needed.
Simply shake and spritz; the sweet watermelon scent will instantly refresh and hydrate. And unlike others on the market, the juicy blend of watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus AHAs keeps skin plump and glowy without stripping it of moisture.
If fragrance is a concern, Curel's Deep Moisture Spray, £13, offers similar skin benefits without any scent or fragrance.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner - £15.99
When it comes to skincare, many will look into the active ingredients that matter most to their skin, and sensitive and irritated skin users might have heard about Anua's popular Heartleaf 77% Toner. Glass skin is fading out in 2025, but in comes the 'Butter Skin' trend—a softer and more natural glow than the high-shine radiance.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, heartleaf extract keeps the skin balanced. The formula is mild, and it clears deep within pores, including stubborn blackheads and whiteheads, after continued use. The Anua toner is also loved by K-pop star Suho, the leader of boy band EXO.
People who suffer from redness and breakouts found their skin was 'calmer and less inflamed' after trying the product. I have also used it to treat my spots, and while it's not an overnight miracle, the size of the blemishes reduced the next day and disappeared on day two.
If you're looking to get rid of dead skin, the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad, £17.98, gently exfoliates and effectively clears impurities.